How to put on a duvet cover without the hassle

Short answer: The easiest method is to turn the cover inside out, grab the two inner corners together with the corners of the duvet and shake the cover down over the duvet. Once you have tried it a few times, it takes a minute.

Turn the cover

Start by turning the cover completely inside out, so the corners are on the outside. Lay it flat on the bed with the opening facing you. Place the duvet on top so it lines up with the cover. That gives you a calm starting point where you can see the corners match before you go on.

Grab the corners

Put your arms into the cover through the opening and take hold of the two far corners from the inside. At the same time, grip the two corners of the duvet through the fabric, so you have a corner of both in each hand. This is the key step. Corners that start together end together.

Shake

Lift everything up in front of you and shake with a few firm movements. The cover turns itself and slides down over the duvet while you hold the corners. With a large duvet, it can be easier to stand on the bed or to do it with two people. Then one holds the corners and the other pulls down.

Spread it out

Put the duvet down and shake it into all four corners, so there is no empty pocket at one end. Take hold of the two bottom corners and shake once more. Finally close the opening with buttons or a zip, so the duvet stays in place during the night.

Why it gets tricky

If the cover is too big for the duvet, it bunches whatever method you use, because the duvet can slide around inside. If it is too small, you cannot get the duvet into the corners. So measure the duvet before buying a cover and choose the same size. See bamboo bedding.

After washing

A cover is easiest to put on when it is completely dry. Damp fabric sticks to the duvet and makes it hard to get the cover to slide. Hang it up after washing and let it dry fully. That also gives fewer creases once it is on. See how to wash bamboo bedding.

Soft fabrics

Bamboo viscose is smooth and soft, which actually makes it easier to slide the cover over the duvet. On the other hand, a soft fabric can fold a little more while you shake. Take time to spread it out at the end, and pull gently at the edges so the seams lie straight.

Taking the cover off

When the cover needs to come off, open it fully, grip the two corners of the duvet through the fabric and pull the duvet out. Turn the cover inside out before it goes in the machine. Then it is already the right way round for next time, and you save a step.

Caring for the cover

A cover that is washed gently keeps its shape and fits the duvet for longer. Wash at 40 degrees, use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener. Avoid hot tumble drying, which can make the fabric shrink. Read more in the washing guide.

With two people

With two people it goes even faster. One holds the two top corners of duvet and cover, and the other pulls the cover down over the duvet and holds the bottom corners. Shake together at the end. This helps especially with large duvets and a low bed.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the duvet bunch at one end?

Because the cover is too big for the duvet, or because the duvet has not been shaken fully into the corners. Grip the corners and shake again so it spreads out.

Is there a faster method?

The inside out method is the fastest for most people once they have tried it a few times. With two people it can go even faster, because each can hold one end.